If you’ve ever found mysterious holes in your lawn or garden, you might be wondering about the culprit. Do armadillos dig tunnels? The answer is a definitive yes, and their underground work can be quite extensive. As a gardener, understanding these unique creatures is the first step to managing their impact on your outdoor space.
Armadillos are built for digging. Their strong legs and sharp claws make them expert excavators. They create burrows for shelter, nesting, and finding food. This behavior can lead to damaged plant roots, uneven ground, and a lawn full of holes.
Let’s look at how to identify their activity and what you can do about it.
Do Armadillos Dig Tunnels
Armadillos are not just casual diggers; they are dedicated burrowers. A single armadillo can have several burrows in its territory, each serving a different purpose. Their tunnels are typically 7 to 8 inches in diameter and can stretch for many feet underground.
You’ll often find the entrance hidden under brush, a stump, or next to a building foundation. The main burrow is usually 2 to 8 feet deep and can be up to 25 feet long. They often have multiple entrances for a quick escape.
Why Armadillos Dig in Your Yard
Armadillos are primarily searching for two things: food and shelter. They don’t dig out of malice towards your garden; they’re just following their instincts.
- Food Source: Their diet consists mainly of insects and invertebrates. They’re especially fond of grubs, ants, termites, and worms. A healthy, insect-rich lawn is a buffet to them.
- Shelter: Burrows provide protection from predators and extreme weather. They use them for resting during the day and raising their young.
- Easy Soil: Loose, sandy, or moist soil is much easier for them to dig in compared to hard, compacted clay.
Signs of Armadillo Activity
Before you take action, make sure an armadillo is your true culprit. Here’s what to look for:
- Shallow holes, about 1–3 inches deep and 3–5 inches wide, in your lawn or flower beds. These are foraging holes.
- Distinct, three-toed tracks in soft soil.
- A burrow entrance with loose soil fanning out from the hole.
- Damage to low-lying vegetables or fruits as they rummage.
- Paths or trails through grass, especially near burrow entrances.
Distinguishing From Other Animal Damage
It’s easy to confuse armadillo damage with that from other animals. Moles create raised ridges in the lawn. Voles leave narrow surface runways. Skunks dig larger, cone-shaped holes for grubs. Armadillo holes are generally wider than they are deep, like small excavations.
How to Deter Armadillos Humanely
Removing the attraction is the most effective long-term strategy. Here’s a step-by-step guide.
Step 1: Eliminate the Food Supply
Treat your lawn for grubs and other soil insects. Use a recommended insecticide or a natural alternative like beneficial nematodes. A grub-free lawn is much less interesting to an armadillo.
Step 2: Make the Environment Less Inviting
- Remove brush piles, rock piles, and tall grass where they might hide or start a burrow.
- Install fencing. Bury it at least 18 inches deep and angle it outward, as armadillos are excellent diggers.
- Use motion-activated sprinklers. The sudden spray of water startles them and conditions them to avoid your yard.
Step 3: Use Repellents
While effectiveness varies, some gardeners report success. Castor oil-based repellents applied to the lawn can make the soil and insects taste unpleasant. You can also try placing cayenne pepper or garlic granules near active areas, though these need frequent reapplication after rain.
What to Do With an Active Burrow
If you find an active burrow, proceed with caution. First, ensure no animal is inside during the day by loosely filling the entrance with soil or leaves. Check it the next morning. If it’s reopened, it’s likely occupied.
For an empty burrow, you can pack it firmly with soil and rocks. For an occupied one, you may need to use a one-way exclusion door, which allows the animal to leave but not return. Always check local wildlife regulations before attempting any trapping or exclusion.
Long-Term Garden Adjustments
A few changes to your gardening habits can make your yard less appealing.
- Switch to drip irrigation. Overhead watering brings insects to the surface, attracting armadillos. Drip irrigation keeps the soil surface drier.
- Create perimeter barriers. A raised bed with a hardware cloth bottom can protect valuable plants.
- Consider your landscaping. Gravel or river rock borders are less diggable than loose mulch.
Understanding Their Role in the Ecosystem
While frustrating for gardeners, armadillos play a part in local ecology. Their digging aerates the soil and helps control insect populations. In some areas, their old burrows provide shelter for other species like rabbits or owls. The goal isn’t to eradicate them from the environment, but to gently encourage them to dine and live elsewhere.
Persistence is key. Combining methods—removing food, altering habitat, and using deterrents—offers the best chance of success. It might take a few weeks to see results, but a consistent approach pays off.
FAQ: Common Armadillo Questions
What time of day are armadillos most active?
Armadillos are primarily nocturnal. They usually come out to forage in the early evening and throughout the night. In cooler weather, you might spot them during the day.
How many armadillos typically live in one burrow?
Usually, just one. They are solitary animals except during mating season or when a female is raising her young. A single armadillo, however, can maintain multiple burrows in its home range.
Will they damage my foundation or sprinkler system?
It’s possible. While searching for insects, they can dig near foundations, potentially causing erosion issues. They can also accidentally damage underground sprinkler lines or wiring with their digging.
Are armadillos dangerous to pets or humans?
They are not aggressive and will typically run away. However, they can carry diseases like leprosy (though the risk of transmission is very low). Their claws are sharp, so never try to handle one. Also, they can startle pets, leading to conflicts.
What is the best fence to keep armadillos out?
A sturdy fence that extends at least 12 inches above ground and 18 inches below ground is best. Bending the bottom outward can provide extra security. Electric wire set a few inches off the ground at the base of a fence can also be a strong deterrent.
Dealing with armadillo tunnels can be a test for any gardener. The key is to understand their behavior and break the cycle that attracts them to your yard. By making your garden less hospitable, you can protect your plants and enjoy a hole-free lawn once again. Remember, patience and a combination of tactics will yield the best results.